30 Jan, 2026

Freshwater Turtle Population Thrives in Kaziranga: Survey Records 945 Across the Brahmaputra Stretch

As part of a comprehensive wildlife assessment in Assam, researchers have begun to notice results related to the abundance of freshwater turtles (trichechus manatus) within rivers. A survey conducted in Kaziranga National Park, between January 14th-18th, 2023 found evidence of 945 freshwater turtles along a roughly 174-kilometre section of the Brahmaputra River. The assessment was accomplished through a partnership between KNP and the India Turtle Conservation Programme (ITCP). Seven species of turtles were identified as being present in this area, including the critically endangered Black Softshell Turtle, showing that the area is a globally important freshwater biological diversity hotspot. In addition, the survey provided evidence to reinforce that the park has been designated as a Turtle Priority Area based on the accomplishments of continued turtle conservation actions and demonstrates the ecological diversity of the Brahmaputra River System.

Key Findings from the Kaziranga Turtle Survey

Highlights of Freshwater Turtle Survey in Kaziranga

Number of Turtles Observed: 945
Identified Species: 7 Species of Freshwater Turtles
Survey Length: 174 km (along the Brahmaputra River).
Survey Dates: January 14 – 18
Survey Partners: KNPTR & ITCP

Breakdown of Reported Species

876 Hardshell Turtles
69 Softshell Turtles
55 Hardshell Turtles Checked
13 Softshell Turtles Checked
4 Black Softshell Turtles Confirmed

Why the Black Softshell Turtle Matters?

Freshwater Turtle Population in Kaziranga

The rediscovery of black soft-shell turtles in Kaziranga National Park represents an important milestone for conservation, especially given their classification as nearly extinct in the wild previously; its apparent resurgence was made possible through:

The protection of habitat within the Kaziranga National Park.
The implementation of conservation efforts at a site (Nagshankar Temple; Biswanath District).
Proactive management and Monitoring conducted by the agencies that administer/maintain our forests.
Presence of this species is an indicator of both improving river health and successful habitat protection efforts.

Identified Conservation Priority Areas

Researchers identified five major conservation priority habitats, based on:

Species abundance.
Habitat condition.
Human disturbance levels.

These areas will assist in future planning for the conservation of the river by maintaining adaptive management for the evolving ecology of the river.

The Future of Revival

The given information illustrates that there is now concrete evidence of effective conservation efforts associated with the Kaziranga Freshwater Turtle Survey that was recently completed in Assam. As a result of this project, 945 individual turtles were identified and this included a number of rare species, including the critically endangered Black Softshell Turtle. The findings of this study confirm that the Brahmaputra River ecosystem provides essential ecological functions. Future cooperation between Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNTPR) and ITCP will be essential to continue the success of these delicate ecosystems and for Kaziranga to remain an example of excellence in conserving freshwater biodiversity at an international level.